Sunderland captain John O'Shea is delighted to be playing for Republic of Ireland coach Martin O'Neill.
The pair worked together at Sunderland before O'Neill's dismissal last season.
"You could tell it was really flat. Obviously when the new manager was announced and the manager's decision to bring Roy (Keane) in alongside him, it got everyone's imagination and enthusiasm back up.
"I probably know the type of performances that the manager is going to be looking for. He wants the players to use their own natural ability, natural instincts to go and attack players, and take people on in the right areas.
"Believe me, he is not telling people to take people on in our own 18-yard box. He wants to keep clean sheets. We know how important they are, especially coming up to a qualifying campaign.
"But the natural progression in terms of players expressing themselves will be a major part in a successful campaign because you need that explosion to create a goal, to cause teams damage, and that will be a big part in the campaign going forward.
"Obviously, we had the positive start but that's all it was and we are fully aware of the tests ahead and the challenges we are going to face. But it's definitely been uplifted."
